Getting a Passport in Carthage, MS: Forms, Facilities & Tips

Getting a Passport in Carthage, MS

Carthage, in Leake County, Mississippi, supports residents with international travel for agriculture, manufacturing, energy work, tourism to Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America, plus student trips from Holmes Community College. Demand peaks in spring/summer breaks, winter holidays, and emergencies, overwhelming local sites[1]. This guide uses U.S. Department of State resources to outline DS-11 (in-person new/replacement) vs. DS-82 (mail renewal) decisions, checklists, pitfalls like photo rejections (25% of returns[6]), doc errors, and timelines, with Carthage-specific tips[2].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose based on your history to avoid rejections (common in MS due to form mix-ups[2]):

Use State Dept wizard: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply.html. Carthage locals often default to post office for DS-11[1].

Passport Renewal by Mail (DS-82)

Eligible Carthage residents save time: Passport ≥16 at issue, <15 years old, undamaged. Download DS-82; include old passport, 2x2 photo, $130 adult book fee (check to "U.S. Department of State"), $60 expedite optional. Mail to address on form; track via USPS. Pitfall: Using DS-82 for ineligible cases (e.g., >15 years) returns it—treat as DS-11[3]. Peaks (Mar-Aug, Dec) add 2-4 weeks.

Documents for In-Person (DS-11) Applications

Originals only; photocopies of ID/citizenship required.

Adults: Certified birth certificate (Leake County Chancery Clerk, 102 E Franklin St, Carthage, MS 39051; 601-267-3267[5]), naturalization cert, or prior passport + photo ID (MS DL) + name change docs if needed.

Children: Parents' IDs, child's birth cert, DS-3053 if one absent.

Order local births early (1-2 w

eeks; msdh.ms.gov). Fees: $130 adult book/$100 card + $35 execution (facility pays)[1].

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person DS-11

1. Fill DS-11 (travel.state.gov; unsigned until witnessed).
2. Collect: Citizenship proof + photocopy, ID + photocopy, photo, fees (check for State; cash/check for execution).
3. Schedule appointment (USPS tool or phone; book 4-6 weeks ahead).
4. Arrive 15min early; expect 20-45min wait, oath, review (staff checks photos/docs on-site).
5. Submit; get receipt (track after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov).
6. Child extras: Both parents, consent form.

Checklist avoids 30% rejections[2]. What to expect: Facilities like Carthage PO verify but don't process—forward to agency.

Passport Photos: Local Tips to Avoid Rejections

25% MS returns from photos[6]: 2x2", recent (6mo), head 1-1⅜", neutral face, white background, no glasses/hats/selfies.

Carthage-Area Options:

• Walmart Photo Center (Carthage Supercenter, 179 MS-35 N; confirm passport service).
• CVS Pharmacy (Kosciusko location; usps.com locator for photo specs).
• Post office (some offer; call ahead).

MS sun/glare common pitfalls—use pros. Samples: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/photos.html[6].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Carthage, MS

Consolidated list (USPS-authorized; verify via tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport-office). Appointments required; no walk-ins. Expect ID check, oath, 20-60min during peaks (Mon midday, holidays). Not all handle photos/replacements.

i; check USPS | Maps | 25min south; alternatives | | Philadelphia Post Office | 613 Walnut St, Philadelphia, MS 39350 | 601-656-2011 | Mon-Fri; appt via USPS | Maps | 45min east | | Jackson Main Post Office | 225 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Jackson, MS 39201 | 601-948-4421 | Mon-Fri; USPS tool | Maps | 1hr; higher volume |

Urgent (14 days)? Jackson Passport Agency (1-877-487-2778; proof required[8]). More: USPS locator.

Processing Times and Expediting

• Routine: 6-8 weeks post-submission.
• Expedite: +$60 (2-3 weeks; request at facility/mail).
• Urgent: Jackson agency only (life/death or imminent; no guarantee).

Peaks add delays; track online[1]. MS travelers: Expedite for business reliability.

Common Mistakes and Local Troubleshooting

• Form Wrong: DS-82 ineligible? 4-week return—use wizard[2].
• Photos/Docs: Glare/shadows (MS issue), incomplete child consent[4,6].
• Timing: Book facilities 4-6 weeks early; order Leake births ASAP[5].
• Fees: Separate payments; cards $30 less.
• At Facility: Bring extras (docs/photos); no fedex—USPS forwards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Carthage? No; Jackson urgent only (2hr, appt/proof[8]).

Renewal for Carthage resident? DS-82 mail if eligible; else post office DS-11[3].

Birth certificate? Leake Chancery (601-267-3267) or MS Vital Records (msdh.ms.gov; 1-2wks[5]).

Urgent family emergency? Jackson with death cert/itinerary (life-or-death); else expedite[1].

Carthage PO walk-ins? No—USPS appt[7].

Old photo OK? No, 6mo recent[6].

Adult fees? $130 book + $35 execution[1].

Name change? Enclose docs with DS-82 or DS-11[3].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Apply In Person
[3] U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[4] U.S. Department of State - Children
[5] [Mississippi State Department of Health -

Vital Records

Mississippi birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates for Carthage (Leake County) residents are issued by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). Order online for fastest delivery (2-3 weeks standard), by mail, or in person at their Jackson office.
Practical tips: Scan and upload existing certificates if you have them to save time; certified copies cost $17 each. Expedited service (24-48 hours) adds $30-$50 via VitalChek.
Common mistakes: Don't go to the Leake County Chancery Clerk—they only handle local marriage licenses post-1926, not births/deaths. Always get a long-form birth certificate for passports (short form often rejected).
Decision guidance: If born in MS before 1912, records may be incomplete—contact MSDH genealogy first. MSDH Vital Records

Passport Photos

Photos must be 2x2 inches, color, on white background, taken within 6 months, showing full face (eyes open, neutral expression).
Practical tips: Use a plain wall; wear everyday clothes (avoid white uniforms). Many pharmacies or post offices near Carthage offer compliant photos for $15—double-check specs before submitting.
Common mistakes: Glasses (unless medically required with no glare), hats (except religious/medical), or smiling—rejections delay passports by weeks. Selfies or home prints rarely pass.
Decision guidance: DIY only if you have proper equipment; otherwise, pay pros to avoid return mail. U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements

Passport Acceptance Facilities (e.g., USPS)

Routine passports (6-8 weeks processing) are submitted at local post offices, clerks, or libraries—no travel to big cities needed.
Practical tips: Search by ZIP (39051 for Carthage area), book appointments online to avoid wait times (walk-ins rare). Bring all docs/forms; fees payable by check/money order.
Common mistakes: Arriving without Form DS-11 signed in front of agent or photo—must redo trip. Kids under 16 need both parents.
Decision guidance: Choose "passport office" filter for full-service spots; closest options handle 90% of needs unless expediting. USPS Passport Locator

Passport Agencies (Expedited/Urgent)

For travel in 2-14 days or life-or-death emergencies only—requires proof like flights/itineraries.
Practical tips: Call ahead (1-877-487-2778) for appt; expect 2-3 hour visits, higher fees ($60+ expedite).
Common mistakes: Showing up without qualifying urgency—turned away. Standard mail apps faster/cheaper for non-emergencies.
Decision guidance: Skip unless verified need; MS residents drive 1-3 hours to nearest—use for true urgents only. U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies